Anonymous
Years ago
Kings sign Darnell Lazare
Sydney Kings' Head Coach, Shane Heal, has announced Darnell Lazare as the clubs second import for the 2012-2013 season.
During the 2010-2011 season Darnell Lazare was the Fort Wayne (Indiana) Mad Ants’ highest point scorer. His NBA D-League career includes time with the Maine Red Claws (2009-2010) and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2010-2012).
Head Coach, Shane Heal. Said that Darnell Lazare is a great pick up for the Sydney Kings and that he will join the roster as a Power Forward.
"Lazare played very well in the NBA D-League over the past couple of years. He is a very good all round player and plays tough defence which is what we need," Heal said.
“He had a great season with the Mad Ants last year - coming out as their top scorer for the year. Darnell can score but has a very rounded game and I expect him to compliment the other players on our team,” he added.
“Our recruiting process has been long and thorough; especially with our imports. We needed a good Power Forward and we believe we have one in Darnell Lazare. He had a great college career at Louisiana State University (LSU) and has been very well coached. He could not have come more highly recommended by his past coaches, which is always a great sign,” Heal said.
Lazare has an NBA out clause with a try-out at the NBA Summer League soon.
The 203cm (6’8”), 109kg (240lbs) basketball player was born on January 29, 1985 in Lafayette, Louisiana, to parents Kerry and Julie Lazare. He is the oldest of four children – the other younger family members being Kerrylin, Braylon, and Cameron. He attended Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, where his coach and mentor encouraged his interest in basketball. Off the court, Darnell says that his mother is his greatest influence in his life because she pushes him to limits beyond his imagination and makes him work hard.
During the 2009-2010 season, Lazare played with the Maine Red Claws, where he averaged 10.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 27 minutes per game in 50 games. During the 2010 NBA Development League Draft, Lazare was acquired by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for a second round pick. In December 2011, he moved to the Indiana Pacers (NBA), but later that month signed at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League, starting five). During his 2011-2012 season with the Mad Ants, he played 44 games: 15.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.0%, FT: 73.1%.
Darnell Lazare’s awards and achievements include: SEC Regular Season (Western Div.) Runner-Up 2005; SEC Tournament Semi-finals, 2005, 2006; SEC Western Division Regular Season Champion 2006; NCAA Final Four, 2006; Ukrainian UBL League All-Star Game 2009; Ukrainian UBL Cup Semi-finals - 2009; Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UBL Honourable Mention, 2009; Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UBL All-Defensive Team, 2009; and D-League All-Star Game, 2012.
